Daphne Pevahouse, who has worked for the city since 2009, first as accounting manager and most recently as assistant finance director, was promoted to the director position on Tuesday, April 9.

She replaces Peter Ramsour, who was hired as the city's finance director just five months ago.

City Manager Troy Royer said on Tuesday that Ramsour no longer works for the city, but because it is a personnel issue, he could not disclose why.

When contacted by the Neosho Daily News on Wednesday, Ramsour also declined to comment on the cause of his departure.

The position of finance director has had frequent turnover in recent years. Jane Obert, who filled the position prior to Ramsour, was dismissed from her position in September, one year after being hired.

Before Obert, Martha Mundt had served as the city's finance director, though she was also dismissed, one year prior to Obert, in September 2011.

Meanwhile, Pevahouse has stepped into the role of interim finance director in the transitions between the former directors.

With her experience and familiarity with the city's finance department, Royer said he is confident in Pevahouse's ability to serve as the city's finance director.

"She's always worked right under the finance director since she's been here. She has a vast knowledge of all the ins and outs of the city, the finance department and how it works," Royer said. "She has the skills and the knowledge and it is time to put her up in that position."

Pevahouse holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Missouri Southern State University, and worked in cost accounting prior to working for the city.

She and her husband, David, live in Neosho and have two children, Davey and Laurel.

She says she is thankful to be a part of the Neosho community, and has seen the town make "tremendous improvements" from the city's former financial troubles.

"We have come very far but we are not finished," Pevahouse said. "Our city is a beautiful place to live and I want to continue to work with the council, the employees, and the citizens to continue our recovery."

As finance director, Pevahouse says some of her responsibilities include budget preparation, overseeing payroll, billing, collections, bond compliance and assisting the city's departments with financial matters.

"I'm very confident in Daphne," Royer said. "She's proven to me since I've been there that she has what it takes to be finance director."